SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Thyme De Provence

Thyme
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Thyme De Provence to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Thyme De Provence
90d to harvest

Breathe in the silvery-green foliage of Thyme De Provence and you’ll find it immediately—an aromatic, Provençal perfume with a bright, savory lift and a gentle, piney warmth. At maturity, the small, tightly clustered leaves form a dense, velvety mat that’s wonderfully resilient, holding its character through the season. Grow it for fragrant bouquets and herb-forward flavoring in roasts, sauces, and marinades, or for drying and infusing—this is the thyme gardeners reach for when they want depth with a clean, herbal finish.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start thyme indoors early, then transplant after nights are consistently warm and keep plants on the dry side in well-drained soil to prevent damping-off.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsDec 30th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity90
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Thyme De Provence in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Thyme De Provence.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage a common thyme problem like powdery mildew (Thymus vulgaris)?
Powdery mildew often shows up as a white, dusty coating on thyme leaves, especially in humid, crowded growth. Keep plants spaced for airflow and water at the soil line so foliage stays dry; remove and discard heavily affected stems to prevent spread. If it keeps recurring, spray with horticultural-grade potassium bicarbonate or neem (follow label directions) and repeat as directed until new growth is clear.
How often should I water Thyme vulgaris during the main growing phase?
During active growth (roughly spring through early summer), water deeply only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) prefers dry-to-average moisture and will decline with persistent damp soil, so avoid daily misting and do not keep the root zone constantly wet. In-ground plants usually need less once established; in containers, check more often because they dry faster.
When is Thyme de Provence ready to harvest?
Harvest once plants are well established and reach about 6–8 inches tall, then start selective snipping of tips. For best flavor, the first main harvest is typically around 90 days after sowing (or in-season once the plants are mature) and before or at the start of flowering, when oils are highest. Snip stems above woody portions and leave enough growth on the plant to regrow for later cuttings.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start thyme indoors early, then transplant after nights are consistently warm and keep plants on the dry side in well-drained soil to prevent damping-off.

Botanical illustration of Thyme De Provence

Breathe in the silvery-green foliage of Thyme De Provence and you’ll find it immediately—an aromatic, Provençal perfume with a bright, savory lift and a gentle, piney warmth. At maturity, the small, tightly clustered leaves form a dense, velvety mat that’s wonderfully resilient, holding its character through the season. Grow it for fragrant bouquets and herb-forward flavoring in roasts, sauces, and marinades, or for drying and infusing—this is the thyme gardeners reach for when they want depth with a clean, herbal finish.